How to pronounce safeguard
Say it like SAYF-gard. Safeguard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAYF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce safeguard. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SAYF
- gard
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Safeguard pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAYFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- gardGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of safeguard
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SAYF-gahd.
What does safeguard mean?
- make safe
- escort safely
- a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.“he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution”“an insurance policy is a good safeguard”
- a document or escort providing safe passage through a region especially in time of war
Where does safeguard come from?
From Middle English savegard, from Middle French sauvegarde, from Old French salve garde, sauve garde, reconstructed as safe + guard.
Questions about saying safeguard
How do you pronounce safeguard?
Say SAYF-gard. The American pronunciation is /ˈseɪfˌɡɑrd/. In British English it is /ˈseɪfɡɑːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in safeguard?
Safeguard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAYF). Broken into parts: SAYF · gard.
Is safeguard pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈseɪfɡɑːd/ (SAYF-gahd).